Following the NCN4 to Rochester, this route takes you through the best of both British worlds - from the busy urban streets of London to Kent’s open countryside. Needless to say, attractions and sites of interest abound. There are a few rough stretches along the way through, so a capable bike is definitely recommended.

For those that need to unplug and get away from it all for a few hours, this route’s got a little bit of everything. Long riverfront stretches? Check. Open parks and places of interest? Check. Quality pubs there and back? Need you ask!

No list of colorful cycling getaways can be complete without the undisturbed countryside of Hertfordshire. Do keep in mind however that, while charming, this route is still notably taxing, featuring plenty of rolling hills and shifting gradients. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ‘refueling stations’ in Hertford, such as The White Horse pub or The Old Cross Tavern.

A perfect opportunity to brush up on your royal parks, this route grazes not one, not two, but five of them (plus Battersea Park) on a scenic stroll through the heart of London. Zip past Kensington Gardens, Hyde, Green and St. James Park before heading downstream to tackle the largest of them all - Richmond Park. Pubs and sights abound!

Home of the Kinks and some of the greatest views over Central London, Muswell Hill abounds with green space, and its undulating streets should provide a good workout. Circling ‘round Tooting Commons and Richmond Park before veering north, this one stretches just short of the old Ally Pally. And if all that pedalling gives you the munchies, check out The Famous Royal Oak on the loop’s northern tip!

While few would consider Kent to be the pinnacle of cycling climbs, there’s plenty of opportunities in the Garden of England to test your calves. Deceptively titled, Toy’s Hill is actually the highest point in Kent, and surely one of its toughest ascents. Don’t let the initial gradient fool you either - the further you climb, the steeper it gets!

Mirroring the longest course of the annual Thames Bridges Bike Ride (hosted by the Stroke Association), this route doubles as a bona-fide tour of London’s top attractions. You’ll be crossing exactly 18 of the capital’s most popular bridges, on what’s arguably the flattest route on the list. If you’d like some company, visit stroke.org.uk to sign up for the next ride, and support a great cause!

A veritable legbuster, this route skips the serene country lanes of Surrey Hills, and jumps straight to pain. Follow the A24 down to Epsom - not the most scenic stretch on the list, but gets the job done - before taking on Box Hill, one of Surrey’s most ‘beloved’ climbs. And though the Zig Zag road is famously unforgiving, don’t discount the ride up to Ranmore Common afterwards either!

Jam-packed with ancient relics and medieval memorabilia, this route is a must for any and all history buffs. Starting off at Fulham Palace (former residence of the Bishop of London) you’ll veer through Richmond and Bushy parks, before taking a riverfront jaunt to Windsor Great Park. The first leg culminates at the majestic Windsor Castle, which should be reason enough to give this one a try!

A true British classic, London to Cambridge makes for a fairly flat ride with just enough elevation to keep it interesting. Start in the ever lively Lee Valley, breezing by Knights Pits, Waltham Abbey and the Royal Gunpowder Mills, before moving on through the sleepy Hertfordshire countryside. And if all that cycling gets you yearning for a pint, check out The Maypole or Cambridge Blue near the finish line!